The Killing of John Lennon
Intense, upsetting look inside an assassin's mind.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this grim drama isn't for kids (who probably won't be interested anyway). It focuses on the deterioration of John Lennon assassin Mark David Chapman's mind, and there's a lot of discussion about the murder as he plans it, as well as images of guns, bullets, and shooting practice. Lennon's actual death is especially hectic and harsh. In his hotel room, Chapman overhears two men kissing (they're then shown embracing); he imagines shooting them, calling them "homos." Other language includes "f--k" and "s--t."
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
Drawing from the prison diaries of Mark David Chapman, THE KILLING OF JOHN LENNON imagines what it might be like inside the assassin's mind. Tracing the three months leading up to Chapman's murder of John Lennon on Dec. 8, 1980, Andrew Piddington's film begins in Hawaii, where the 25-year-old Chapman (Jonas Ball) lives with his mother (Krisha Fairchild) and young wife, Gloria (Mie Omori). Lonely and disturbed, he's determined to become famous, and finds his means when he reads The Catcher in the Rye. Identifying with main character Holden Caulfield, Chapman decides to rid the world of the man he considers its greatest "phony": the former Beatle living in New York City.
Is It Any Good?
Gloomy and angry, Chapman doesn't provide much in the way of standard biopic fodder. Certainly, he's extremely troubled; his favorite movies are Taxi Driver, Apocalypse Now, and Ordinary People -- which all focus on unhappy individuals trying to change their worlds with violence. "I was Mr. Nobody," Chapman says, "'til I killed the biggest somebody on earth."
While the film relies on some clichés to convey Chapman's distress (low-angle views of his sad face, slow-motion shots of city sidewalks), it also suggests his frustrating contexts: Speedy media and unattainable wealth surround him. Evoking Chapman's inability to see outside his own rage and needs by using long sequences of fragmented images, the movie makes clear that he was less deviant than a logical product of his moment. More tragically, his story can be seen as a projection, a look forward into the "future" (i.e. our own present) of celebrity culture.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how media attention to the assassination of public figures is appealing to some killers, who desire fame. Can you think of other potentially negative consequences of media news coverage? How about positive ones? Families can also discuss how the movie portrays Chapman: Is he ever sympathetic, as he is plainly troubled and lonely? What do you think of his devotion to the book Catcher in the Rye? If you've read the book, do you think he misunderstands its meaning?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 2, 2008
- On DVD or streaming: August 4, 2008
- Cast: Jonas Ball, Krisha Fairchild, Mie Omori
- Director: Andrew Piddington
- Studio: IFC Entertainment
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 114 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 26, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Taxi Driver
'70s classic is extremely violent; lots of sex, language.
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate